Spreadsheets & notebooks
Manual tracking works — until it doesn't
A spreadsheet or notebook is free and flexible. You log weight and reps, then decide what's next yourself. The downside: you do all the progression math, and history gets messy fast.
Overload automates the same decisions — add weight, add reps, repeat, or deload — without maintaining formulas or scrolling through rows.
General gym apps
Strong, Hevy, and similar apps
Apps like Strong and Hevy are excellent general workout loggers. They track exercises, show history charts, and offer social features. But progressive overload is one feature among many — you still decide when to increase load.
Overload is purpose-built for progressive overload. It doesn't try to replace your nutrition tracker or social feed. It answers one question: "What should I lift next?"
Overload
Single-purpose progressive overload tracker. Free, no signup, automatic next-target suggestions.
Strong / Hevy
Full-featured gym loggers with charts, programs, and social. Great if you want an all-in-one tool.
Spreadsheet
Maximum control, zero automation. Best if you enjoy managing your own progression rules.
Our take
When Overload is the right choice
Choose Overload if you want a free, focused progressive overload app that tells you when to progress — without paying for features you won't use.
Choose a general gym app if you want social features, pre-built programs, or body measurement tracking alongside your lifts.
FAQ
Common questions
- Is Overload better than Strong?
- They're different tools. Strong is a full gym logger. Overload focuses exclusively on progressive overload progression. If that's your main need, Overload is simpler and free.
- Is Overload really free?
- Yes. No trial, no paywall, no premium tier.